One of the most illuminating themes in the Buddha's life story was the regular appearance of Mara--god of selfishness and greed, anger and fear, doubt and shame. Each time Mara surfaced, the Buddha's response was to say "I see you Mara," and invite him to tea. This talk explores how such unconditional friendliness and wisdom can bring healing and freedom to our lives.
Opening Talk for a retreat that offers the opportunity for those teaching or training in the field of mindfulness-based interventions to deepen their own experience and understanding of mindfulness practice.
As we do on the cushion, we practice metta in daily life in widening circles. We explore sustaining individual formal metta practice, metta in our relationships, and metta in the larger world. (Followed by questions and responses.)
Using images, stories and quotes from teachers and spiritual leaders, this talk explores the practice of equanimity, discussing the topics of dependent conditions, working with challenges to equanimity, and offering equanimity practice techniques.
Exploring how metta cheers us, how a cheerful heart calms and relaxes us; and how a calm, relaxed state ushers in more understanding and so, more metta.
The flag of trance is identifying as a separate, deficient self. This talk explores how developmentally we can get fixated on fears and unmet needs and cut off from the wholeness of Being that is our true nature. We explore the power of mindfulness --seeking not to change but to understand--and the expression of that understanding as love. The talk includes guided reflections that can help us recognize and awaken from the confines of trance.
